you can't really wear a big belt knife in a canoe as it hangs down and bangs around on the back of seat.
sitting in a canoe makes the back pocket a hassle to get to and the front pocket is out because lifting a canoe for the portage you get it up on your thighs and pull and flip it onto your shoulders.the weight of a canoe on a Bic forgotten in a front pocket hurts
a pouch carry on the side of the belt works best and by trying a few out i found the Leatherman works best for my SA Farmer.
the cord and a few beads make for a fast easy pull.